Find a Nyack College Mentor

TAP TO EXPAND +

Looking for an opportunity to connect with professionals? The Mentor Program is a networking opportunity for you to get advice from Nyack College Alumni. The Mentor Program is conveniently located in the Career Connections/Job listings database, the system where students and alumni view jobs. Students may use the same username and password that they currently use to search for jobs and internships. If you have forgotten your password, click on the “forgot password” link that will prompt you to type in your username and a system generated email will be sent to you.

Who Are Mentors?

Mentors are Nyack College alumni who have volunteered to provide current students with career advice. As alumni of Nyack College, they can relate to your experience and the questions you have about your academic major, possible career paths and even internships.

As a student/mentee participant in the Mentor Program, you agree to:

Conduct yourself in an ethical and professional manner in keeping with the Nyack College Code of Conduct.

Acknowledge and respond to all Mentor communication in a timely manner (within 48 hours).

Attend any scheduled meetings or calls. Provide the Mentor with at least 24 hours notice if there is a need to reschedule.

Ask only for advice, not a job!

Only use the connections for professional networking, not for soliciting or any type of distribution list.

Maintain confidentiality with Mentor's contact information unless given permission by the Mentor to share that information.

How to find a Mentor?

Students must be registered in Career Connections. After you log in using your username and password, students can access the mentors list by clicking the Mentor Program menu bar. Within the mentor list, a student/mentee can search, mark as favorites, and express interest in the Mentor.

How should students communicate with Mentors?

Mentors will indicate if they want to be contacted by either phone or email.

Send a brief email introducing yourself and your reason for contacting the Mentor. Remember to include that you got their information from the Nyack College Mentor Program. Do not forget to include your full name, email address, and telephone number.

Sample E-mails:

Subject Line: Nyack College Mentor Program

Hello Ms. Jones,

I am currently a student at Nyack College and found your mentor profile on the Nyack College Mentor Program list. I've noticed that you have experience related to an industry and career path I am very interested in learning more about. I welcome the opportunity to connect with you for an informational interview to hear your first-hand insights and perspectives. I hope that we have an opportunity to meet or chat. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
John Student,
John.student@nyack.edu
(555) 555-1234

Subject Line: Nyack College Mentor Program

Dear Mr. Smith,
I am currently a student at Nyack College and found your mentor profile on the Nyack College Mentor Program list. I would appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and get your advice on what types of organizations might be best for internships in the field of ____. Because of your experience, I greatly value your input and guidance. Thank you in advance for your time.

Best regards,

Jane Student,
Jane.student@nyack.edu
(555) 555-5555

Basic Information:

Determine what you want to learn from the mentor before you contact him/her.

Prepare and write down the questions you plan to ask.

Proofread all of your correspondence.

Avoid informal or text message slang.

Always address the mentor as Mr. or Ms. until told to do otherwise.

Ask for additional contacts that might help you learn more.

Be respectful of the mentor's time.

Always send a thank-you note following the meeting.

What questions should students ask a Mentor?

Career Field

What are the typical academic majors/backgrounds of professionals in this field?

Is additional training or education needed to advance in this field?

What types of organizations/companies tend to hire ____?

What are the appealing/challenging aspects of this type of work?

What is the outlook for this industry?

Can you suggest any books, publications or web sites where I can do more research?

Are there any networking or professional associations you can recommend?

Personal Experience

What was your academic major and how does it apply to your current work?

Did you participate in an internship while in college?

If so, what were the benefits/challenges of that experience?

What has been your career path in this field?

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

What do you like most/least about your work?

Do you view your work as a vocation or calling?

What additional advice would you like to offer?

Job Skills/Responsibilities

Describe a typical day or project.

What type of experiences or skills would you recommend to someone starting out in this field?

Are there any internship programs or organizations that you can recommend?